Paulinho: Tottenham told me Bale will stay

Gareth Bale has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United this summer.

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Tottenham have vowed that Gareth Bale will not leave White Hart Lane in the off-season, Brazil midfielder Paulinho has hinted.

The Corinthians man is widely expected to complete a move to the London club after representing his country in the FIFA Confederations Cup, and is hoping to complete a "dream" move to Spurs after the tournament.

"My focus is on winning the Confederations Cup - but after the tournament is finished I hope it is a deal that can get finalised quickly," he said.

"To play in England for a great team like Tottenham is a dream. What I respect about Tottenham is the ambition they have shown.

"This summer there has been interest in their coach and their best player - and they have been clear they both are not going anywhere.

"When my agent made me aware that Tottenham were interested I knew it would not be a move that I could turn down."

Former Tottenham player and manager Glenn Hoddle hopes that Bale does stay at White Hart Lane, but urged him to stay in England if he does decide to leave.

After 26 goals in all competitions last season, Bale has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, but the former England manager believes Manchester would be a better destination for the Welshman.

“If he (Bale) does move, I think he will settle easier at another club in England," he said.

"The only ones he can realistically join are Manchester United and Manchester City. He could get Champions League football there. But I want him to stay at Tottenham."

“He is still young enough to secure a move abroad later in life when he could cope better with it."